The Star of David and the Mosque

It's no accident that the NYC mosque is covered with the Jewish symbol.

The plans for the proposed Ground Zero mosque have just been made public – and I'm sure you won't believe your eyes.

The building that's become the focus of a bitter national debate about the suitability of erecting a $100 million edifice promoting Islamic worship in immediate proximity to the site where the World Trade Center stood before its horrific destruction by Muslim extremists can now be seen as it's envisioned by its architects. And yes, it's not your imagination but the magnificent façade of the proposed structure is dominated by what we immediately recognize as the Magen Dovid, the Star of David, the most powerful symbol of Judaism and the Jewish people!

Is it merely a coincidence or is our mind playing tricks on us, seeing something that isn't intended in a design created solely for its pleasing aesthetic appearance?

Indeed, the developers took note of the Star of David design element and made clear that it was not accidental. No, it isn’t an attempt to demonstrate a love for Jews and Judaism but because, they explain, they believe the Star of David conveys a universal message that transcends its Jewish connection.

And strangely enough, to a large extent they are correct.

Today the Star of David serves as an unequivocal Judaic emblem, highlighting the flag of the modern state of Israel. Yet it was not always so. In the Sistine Chapel, decades before Michelangelo made it world-famous for its magnificent ceiling frescoes, visitors were accustomed to looking down rather than up for aesthetic inspiration. It was the floor that received the most admiring attention. It was there that the church had commissioned its artisans to create a 15th century revival of what was known as the Cosmatesque mosaic style – the decorating style the Cosmati family developed in Rome in the 12th and 13th centuries emphasizing hexagonal geometric shapes.

The design was selected not solely for its beauty but because of its spiritual and mystical association.

The design was selected not solely for its beauty but because of its spiritual and mystical association. In the first century of the common era, the Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria, Egypt – a man commonly considered the central link between Greek philosophy, Judaism, and Christian mysticism – popularized the notion of two superimposed triangles, pointing both up and down, to show the flow of energy between action and reception, male and female, God and humanity, and the upper and lower worlds. In fact, the Latin name for the kind of mosaic décor making use of this design is opus Alexandrinum – because it is filled with kabbalistic symbolism originally taught by Philo of Alexandria.

The Cosmati family was well aware of this background. Its artisans recognized the great potential of Philo's superimposed triangles to simultaneously express spiritual and visual ideals. For that reason, stunning examples of authentic Cosmati floors and decorations can be found in some of the oldest and most beautiful churches, basilicas, and cloisters in Rome and southern Italy. Even further afield, one of the last Cosmati artisans was brought to London in the 13th century to do the mystical floor mosaics in Westminster Abby, and filled that magnificent cathedral as well with clearly visible Magen Dovids.

So that is why to this very day visitors to the Sistine Chapel can, if they take a moment to divert their attention from Michelangelo's ceiling to look at down at where their feet tread, be amazed to discover a series of Magen Dovids prominently displayed on the floor.

Origins of the Symbol

While Philo of Alexandria was the one who developed the conceptual meaning of the Star of David, its history – as evidenced by its name connection with the second king of Israel – is clearly much older. The earliest archaeological evidence for the Jewish use of the symbol comes from an inscription dating to the late seventh century before the Common Era and attributed to Joshua ben Asayahu. The legend behind its association with King Solomon, and hence its other name, Solomon’s Seal, is quite fanciful and almost certainly false. In medieval Jewish, Islamic, and Christian legends, as well as in one of the Arabian Nights stories, the seal of Solomon with its hexagonal shape was a magical signet ring said to have been possessed by the King, which variously gave him the power to command demons and to speak with animals. The reason that this symbol is more commonly attributed to King David, researchers have theorized, is that the hexagram represents the astrological chart at the time of David's birth or anointment as King.

However one of the most profound interpretations of the symbolic meaning of the Mogen Dovid restores its significance to its particularly Jewish connection.

Many commentators have suggested that the message of the Star of David is linked to the number seven by way of its six points surrounding the center. The number seven, of course, is key to our understanding the world as a holy creation of God. The earth is the result of a divine plan, not an accidental Big Bang. The world represents the vision of a Creator who after completing it took the time to rest, to evaluate, and to proclaim it “very good” – fulfilling His expectations. In short, the world is holy, a place in which man and everything else created in the six days has the potential to revolve and evolve around its center, its core and its Creator.

The Sabbath, the seventh day every week, is a reminder of this concept. Every seventh year, too, is a sabbatical year in which the land is not to be worked, and after seven cycles of seven years the Jubilee year brings freedom to indentured slaves and the return of property to its original owners.

This emphasis on the number seven as a sign of the holy finds another illustration by way of the menorah in the ancient Temple. The menorah was comprised of seven oil lamps resting on three stems branching from each side of a central pole. Three on each of its sides turned towards the center, six in all directed towards the midpoint, the seventh.

It has been strongly suggested that the Star of David came to be used as a standard symbol in synagogues around the world precisely because its organization into 3+3+1 - triangle up, triangle down, and center - corresponds exactly to the menorah.

In the very heart of Rome, albeit in a house of worship dedicated to another faith, the Star of David persevered.

The irony then in terms of the Star of David being so prominently displayed in the Sistine Chapel is almost unavoidable to notice. The menorah, with its link to the Magen Dovid, is the very item featured so prominently on the Arch of Titus to commemorate the victory of the Roman Empire over what it considered a defeated people never to be heard from again. Rome believed that its conquest of Jerusalem meant the end of Judaism and its message of the mystical meaning of the number seven; for them it was the victory of the sword over the sacred.

Yet in the very heart of Rome, albeit in a house of worship dedicated to another faith, the Star of David remained. It persevered as “the still small voice” of a people, covenantally assured of eternal survival. It preached the ultimate victory of right over might, of the superiority of the spirit over power.

The Roman Empire is no more. The Jews of the menorah and the Magen Dovid are today the people who brought into being the proud state of Israel with its flag that prominently displays the Star of David.

And if others choose to identify with this Jewish symbol, be they the church in the Sistine Chapel or the Muslims in their new mosque, we take no offense. After all, hasn't Isaiah taught us that our mission is to be “a light unto the nations” And how better to do this than by inspiring the world to join us in our dedication to the spiritual goals symbolized by the two overlapping triangles universally known as our Mogen David – the visual representation of the Menorah that brought light to the Temple?

Related Articles:

About the Author

Rabbi Benjamin Blech, a frequent contributor to Aish, is a Professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University and an internationally recognized educator, religious leader, and lecturer. Author of 14 highly acclaimed books with combined sales of over a half million copies, his newest, The World From A Spiritual Perspective, is a collection of over 100 of his best Aish articles. See his website at www.benjaminblech.com.

Visitor Comments: 51

thank you for this very insightful asnd informative article regarding the Magen David symbol.

(49)
elisheva,
November 1, 2010 1:33 AM

when you see good - goodness surrounds you

I know there could be a lot of interpretations of the Star of David used as it was but I believe the view you have given is the best- it is good to see goodness and have hope in everything. Hashem has a reason for it all and He is big enough to handle all our worries and problems. If we turn to Him and try to see the good in the world. He will protect us from unseen harm. Shalom and Cheers Rabbi Blech.

(48)
eva,
October 19, 2010 12:21 AM

Sorry, you are naive.

I agree with Ezza Amitai totally! I am suspicious of the reason for this design on the Mosque. You are too generous, even naive when you attribute such a benign motive; there is surely something nefarious going on.

(47)
,
October 17, 2010 12:30 PM

Exccelent artical loved all the right enficess on ideal points.
Thanks for posting it.
Mr. Montero

(46)
jlshimshon,
October 16, 2010 5:17 AM

Humbug. Look up the definition

I believe this is an attempt to confuse and cloud the perception of the American masses if not the entire world. A few years after it built and 9/11 is even further distanced in their memory, they will look at this shrine of evil and say that it was the Jews that brought 9/11 upon us. It will be the only way that the masses with a single brain wave will be able to connect the dots.
As for the Star of David, I feel that it is not just to triangles that give some folks esoteric meaning but a shield and has a 3 dimensional aspect that reveals something far greater. I am working on a CAD 3D model of this. Pretty cool so far.
Shalom

(45)
Anonymous,
October 15, 2010 1:57 AM

beware usurping of identity

Irrespective of the interesting background of what the "Star of David" represented at different stages of history, today it stands for the Jewish people and State. We must beware that its unique modern significance is not usurped or trivialized as a achitect's bauble. The respect of not "burning the flag" should be considered.

(44)
Anonymous,
October 15, 2010 12:19 AM

Non Jewish View

As someone who is interested in the spirituality aspect of this site and is NOT Jewish, I find it sad that everyone cannot see beyond their own form of bigotry. Not all Muslims are the same, not all Jews are the same, so to say that there are no moderate Muslims is like saying all Jews don't eat shrimp (I witnessed this recently) It is these ideas that will always keep us apart; in looking at the beauty of our faiths, perhaps we can find some commonality as opposed to focusing on what keeps us apart. Muslims too, died at Ground Zero. Next thing its other groups-gays, Latinos-where does it end?

Dvirah,
December 31, 2013 5:32 PM

Look Again!

Didn't you read this article to its conclusion? The author welcomes universal use of a symbol which is undeniably associated with Judaism. There is no bigotry here.

(43)
Ezza Amitai,
October 14, 2010 6:34 PM

More Taqqiya (twisting the truth)

Islam encourages twisting of the truth (Taqqiya) and even outright lying whenever it serves to promote islam. Covering a building with a symbol commonly associated with Judaism is just another transparent attempt to fool the public. There is NO WAY any of us should allow this proposed building to be built. There are no moderate muslims. This is evidenced by the fact that alleged 'moderate' muslims are NEVER seen to protest against the fanatical, brutal terrorist activities of their 'extremist' brethren.
Multiculturalism only works when all cultures respect each other equally and are happy to exist side by side. islam seeks to eradicate all other cultures and religions, and its leaders proclaim this intent loud and clear. Therefore it is mandatory that islam be expelled from all freedom-loving democracies. Let us not be diverted by superficial concerns such as designs and symbols; Ground Zero and New York City must retain its Jewish and Judeo-Christian heritage. There are 22 Muslim countries currently under Sharia Law. Let them build their "cultural centres" in those countries.
Just think for a few seconds how the world would have reacted if this travesty of insensitivity called a building had been proposed in the weeks following 9/11. Do people remember the shock and pain of 9/11? Do they remember the entire islamic world dancing for joy in the streets as the Twin Towers crumbled?
Let us not for even one second pander to the idea that Ground Zero will be anything but a place hallowed by the memories of the innocent people who died at the hands of the very minds that seek to erect their dubious monument.

(42)
Victoria,
October 14, 2010 5:13 PM

Dont be a fool!

The building of this abomination is just like having Al Aqsa in our faces on the Temple Mount.

(41)
Ken,
October 13, 2010 4:40 PM

Why cant we just go right.

Dear Rabbi, I dont know of your last words about the symbolism, sometimes its best if we dont suffer from
getting ahead of our selfs and get too excited, if they have done this purposly and it comes to fruition , they themselves will use it as an excuse to justify anything they conjure up, justify this maddness of the faiths, were better to do it just to confuse people in a jewish business district or should I say a predominantly jewsish place. why should they get away with useing our symbol free of charge , the mosque will have nothing to do with the meaning of the symbol, as its meaningless to muslims, so why do they. Combineing our sign with there koran has nothing to do with us , its just being used as a piggy back ride , hence they use it as a defiance against its true meaning and association , the jewish existance in its entirity, its people and of course its historic chain from the beginning to know, probably as a sign that its destiny is nearly near its end and the new jews, the muslims will supersede all of mankind with its own views, not to mention its overthrow of humanity by haveing 20 kids to each man. We should not keep condoneing these proposterous scenarios,especially by arabs only in a run to defame our heritage in allways from top to bottom, and it continues

(40)
Wassim,
October 13, 2010 4:20 AM

Revised opinion

If the Imam behind it supports Hamas, then I've changed my mind. Let them play table tennis in the Sahara.
Maybe there aren't any sane Muslims! Sorry for the misguided optimism.

(39)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2010 3:38 AM

Jewish?

The article itself starts out explaining that the Magen David is not jewish, then mentions a loose, circumstantial connection based on the beautiful and important 6/7 idea, and then goes so far as to refer to us as "the people of the menorah and Magen David"! I find that leap and bit too syrupy. Why are we cow-towing to the symbolic romanticism of the masses, when the facts are to the contrary? I thought we are first a people of Truth...no?
The Minchas Elozer of Munkatch, one of the great Rebbes of pre-WWII Hungary and his forbears were staunchly of the opinion that the Magen Dovid is and was never a Jewish symbol, at all, and do not use it, ever. That sits well with me.

(38)
Anonymous,
October 12, 2010 8:30 PM

Tabitha, I agree with you 100%.

(37)
Frank,
October 12, 2010 4:40 PM

Not the First

Across the North and Midlands of England and the Welsh coal mining valleys the World's first industrial towns were thrown up without much in the way of services in the nineteenth century and so tha tis part explanation for the 19th century resort to religion and religiosity - mostly methodist and baptist chapels. These are frequently small, brick or stone and gothic revival, so quite a few of them have a west "rose" window in six point stone tracery. for one thing it is simple geometry and about as elaborate as you can be without being over expensive.
In Europe and America the first written references to Jewish use of the Magen David is 15th century (1400's) when the Prague Communty had an appropriate banner. This is the first time I have seen a reference to Philo and justification by gematria with the Menorah; but I shall pass them on to my pupils.
Since I have seen photos of archaeological Temple II decor with magenim David, and also medieval jewelry in the Plague Year Hoard (1340's) which was recently exhibited in London.
The best kabbalistic explanation I have seen so far is that the upward pointing triangle represents the prayers and observances of teh Jewish people and the downward pointinng triangle is the providence of the almighty starting with, "the rain and wind in due season."

(36)
ross,
October 12, 2010 4:31 PM

October Fools?

If today were April 1, I would think this article is an April fools joke. I would wait a week until the gag was revealed by the editors, then congratulate myself for being right. Maybe there's still hope.

(35)
Denise Rouben,
October 12, 2010 3:55 PM

Amazing! It gives me hope.

(34)
Adam Neira,
October 12, 2010 11:39 AM

Quelle Horreur !

Sacré bleu ! This is disastrous. How dare there be an accidental cross-pollination of religious symbols in a new building. What is the world coming to ? We must have strict delineations between all groups. No mixing is allowed. People need clear, basic symbols to respond to, like the swastika for example. A global “Appropriate Symbol Committee” should be established to correct such nefarious design flaws.

(33)
Wassim,
October 12, 2010 3:10 AM

Another appropriation from Judaism

They say that immitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I'd be flattered if they weren't trying to push me into the sea! Look, Islam isn't pure evil, but it's definitely missing something. How about some great Rabbis and a few reasonable Imams get together and make a joint Muslim and Jewish centre (sorry, that should be Jewish and Muslim centre for learning). Don't forget the dead, but let's not give up on this mess and let them die in vain. Surely you can find a couple of sane Muslims in New York! Start working on the next generation. It doesn't have to be a Muslim this or that, it could be a joint Jewish and Muslim school, table tennis, whatever. Break down these old walls and let's all live again. If it's God's will that we Muslims and Jews be enemies for ever, then I reject that God and you should too. Surely, religion is a learning tool, and in hindsight I hope war is too, otherwise we're bound to make the same mistakes again and just write it off as "human nature". I understand "human nature", that's why I choose to believe in God, because human nature ain't that impressive. IMHO. Anyway, shalom distant cousins.

(32)
Tabitha,
October 11, 2010 7:10 PM

Misusing the Star of David

A mosque is a one story unit, with atrium and section facing Mecca. This building is a RABAT, an Arabesque architectural design that they use to signify the Point of Conquest into a new country. Their use of the broken Stars of David is meant to be insulting. Islam has been at war with Jews since 627 CE, when they killed Jewish and Christian residents of Mecca and Medina and proclaimed the cities "holy." They have killed 270 million people since then. They killed 3,000 on 9/11, followed by jihad wars against 5 religions, killing 16,000. The sane realize Islam hasn't changed overnight; their purpose is to conquer and subjugate until the world is Islamic. We should not appease and explain away our future, our democracy, our culture. We must never tolerate the intolerant or we will lose everything we have. Wake up, America and Israel! Europe hasn't and suffers.

(31)
Margarita,
October 11, 2010 5:48 PM

sad - very sad

i think that they are trying to steal another part of our identity - it seems to be different pieces of the same puzzle. our identity is always under threat and we have to work hard to preserve it.

(30)
Max Rambow,
October 11, 2010 5:00 PM

The foundation

Everything good and right has it's foundation in Judaism.

(29)
Anonymous,
October 11, 2010 12:49 PM

(28) Thanks for speaking out the thruth loud and clear

I find it offensive to see a Magen Dovid ( or even a cross in this case) "decorating" the proposed venue.

(28)
Mark Bernstein,
October 11, 2010 7:33 AM

Stop Helping Islamists who Want to Kill You

This article starts with such baloney. You've been duped. The building actually includes not only the Star of David but also the Cross and the Pentagon shape, all in a pattern of falling broken shards being cast down above the two tops of the building, reminiscent of the Twin Towers. So be happy in your naivety. This is all about the conquest of the infidel, as prescribed in Islam. The imam supports Hamas; he was the second most major supporter of the flotilla to Gaza to break the Israeli blockade against terrorist weapons, in which one Israeli soldier's stomach was cut open and his guts hung out until he was saved later; and this imam also wants the implementation of Sharia law in the US - Sharia is where they cut off limbs for stealing, and stone people and behead them in public, and where the Jews and others can live as second and third class citizens called dhimmis, including restricted worship. So go on believing what they tell you (it's called taqiyya - a kind of deceit approved and encouraged by Islam) while they, & fellow Muslims internationally, know very well that they are doing something very different. Wake up! This article should be removed! Stop appeasing those who want to kill you.

(27)
Yehonathan,
October 11, 2010 6:02 AM

As above - So below

The ancient mystical symbolism behind the Magen David is summarised by the phrase "as above - so below", ie that which is macrocosmic (God's plan) will be manifest microcosmically (in the world). So one triangle points down and the other points up. Unified we have the symbol of God inside the material and God in man - in a small way, where Man is inspired by God, he will always win. Here is an allusion to the meschiach too. There is much Kabalistic symbolism here in the equation of the three points of each triangle correlating with the top 3 supernal sephiroth of the Tree of Life. Thus the Hexagram (Magen David) has many deep meanings and is much older than Judaism, as the author says. I can see why Solomon and David adopted it though.
Hexagrams are everywhere in life - even in the structure of carbon, which is life's basic building block. Have you read about "Buckyballs"? Google it. You will find the Magen David again hiding within science. A reminder that God's creative impulse is everywhere.

(26)
Anonymous,
October 11, 2010 5:32 AM

It is technically a "community center" and that includes the entire community. America is America and populated by a cross section of people from all around the world. No Star of David is going to fall if we collectively remember and Hashem wants the world at peace. Otherwise, the Meshiach will never come.

(25)
Anonymous,
October 11, 2010 5:28 AM

First, he building is not a mosque. Second, Muslim people died on 09/11/01 as well. The terrorists aimed those planes at all of us. The relatively few "Muslims that are terrorists" are far outweighed by those that live the Koran and the message of love and peace, kindness and faith in one G-d. If people just fly off and don't really know what the building is to be used for, perhaps they should investigate and not just blow up. The whole world must act prudently because the real terrorists want all of us dead... that's it and that's all. Get a grip. Find out the facts and then proceed and I am hopeful, peacefully. La Chaim.

(24)
David Etenburn,
October 11, 2010 4:45 AM

I'm not impressed

A mosque is a mosque is a mosque. If America is the great Satan, and Israel the little Satan. any Imam or Islamic Cleric that shows any supprt or sympathy to Sh'ria law cannot be trusted. This is a victory mosque, one that will have "significant meaning" according to the developers to their Middle Eastern contacts.
Regardless, we can all be thankful G*d is on our side!

(23)
Ilan Braun,
October 11, 2010 4:06 AM

Star of David in Morocco

Very interesting article! I remember reading an article about a magen david being on the original flag of Morocco which was later replaced by a "regular" star! Can someone confirm this? Thank you.

(22)
batya,
October 11, 2010 2:37 AM

So Naive.

Why do we always look for ways to justify the insults and harms that come our way?
Sure , the satr of David is an old symbol as is the swastika.But if the Arabs would have chosen a swastika to adorn their mosque the country would have been on fire.It is the star of David that is so belonging to everyone and so not against the Jews but for them that we, in our huge stupidity buy.
When are we going to stop calling the spits in our eyes rain?

(21)
Michael Djalal,
October 11, 2010 2:04 AM

Good interpretations. Triangle up, triangle down.

(20)
Anonymous,
October 11, 2010 12:31 AM

open your eyes

They are using the star of David as a conquest and are laughing at our gaulability

(19)
Anonymous,
October 11, 2010 12:15 AM

They have no 'wish to join' you. The daily prayers that will be chanted there will call for the death of apes and pigs.
With the falling Star of David, I am sure that will put a lot more inspiration into their chanting.
This design is not a compliment. It is an insult.

(18)
Betty Moses,
October 10, 2010 11:16 PM

Not a good idea. How can anyone tolerate the Magen David on a mosque.It may have other implications but as far as we know & the world knows, we Jews have considered it our identity. How dare !!

(17)
Annie,
October 10, 2010 11:02 PM

hm...

a mosque is a mosque is a mosque
no matter what they make it look like
and in these times of jews going off the derch in droves while baalei tshuvas return in droves, this reminds me of the confusion crated by jews for jesus messianic churches to trap jews, they are still churches... not synagogues
Do they think they're going to kill us with kindness now?

(16)
Anonymous,
October 10, 2010 10:27 PM

GZ mosque 2 B built on Shards of Jewry

Rabbi Blech believes too strongly in the goodness of mankind. To Islam, the mosque will only represent Islam's superiority over the the evil infidels, thereby encouraging these zealots to kill more Americans. The GZ mosque construction should be stopped as an act that would give aid and comfort to our enemy.

(15)
Marc,
October 10, 2010 10:14 PM

I am embarrassed to read the comments from fellow Jews regarding this article. Say what you will, but you cannot allow fear and hate to guide you, otherwise you are no better than the people who have done to us the same.
Allow these people their rightful place to pray and have community.
Whether or not I agree with them is not the point, the point is they have a right and we must allow them, and we must look for people who are not extremists but who are kind and will offer a hand to you know matter where you are from or what you believe.

(14)
Richard,
October 10, 2010 9:04 PM

mockery

In actuality, these hordes of Islamic extremists are simply making mockery of Judaism and the Star of David. While idiots in New York have no actual concepts of Islam, they are also the same liberal persons that are destroying our Constitution and Bill of Rights. How much more of this idiocy must we endure by these far left liberals?. May G-d forbid.

(13)
Rochel,
October 10, 2010 7:53 PM

Just another way hijack what is ours.

Muslims have been stealing what is righfully our from their beginnings. Before their so-called profit they were stealing our goods in bands of tribes. Along comes M***, Yemach Shemo, and they are stealing what is in our Torah to make a false statement of religion, they have been stealing our symbols, our land, our holy spaces, our temple mount, for goodness sakes. This is another example of a people who have nothing of their own stealing what is rightfully ours. May the rightious Moshiach come ASAP so that the world can see what is false with their own eyes.

(12)
ruth housman,
October 10, 2010 7:49 PM

an ancient "sign"

You seem to have generated a lot of "heat" in writing this, judging from the commentary above. As for me, I think it's a beautiful and meaningful history. I was so busy looking up I didn't see the floors of the Sistine Chapel so many years ago, when thrust into the absolute awe of the moment. I think it's beautiful that this most significant spiritual masterpiece of a master sculptor, about God, about the human hand reaching towards God and God reaching towards man, has a floor so beautifully decorated with the symbol of the Star of David.
That's enough for me. There is beauty and truth to all of this, and it seems we are doing a grand job of connecting across the centuries, and hopefully will all of us, one day, hold hands together, in peace.

(11)
Unlisted,
October 10, 2010 7:40 PM

How can you NOT take offense???

I take enormous offense, both at these Islamists thumbing their nose at the U.S. and their absconding of the symbol of Judaism, in order to build their monument to the destruction of the U.S., Israel, and the Jewish People. Why do you think they're calling it the "Cordoba" Mosque? Check out Spanish history. Wake up, liberals, before it's too late!

(10)
Anonymous,
October 10, 2010 7:29 PM

No matter how you look at it & no matter what symbols are used, the mosque should never go up. Who are they trying to fool ?

(9)
Rabbi Benjamin Blech,
October 10, 2010 7:24 PM

Just for the record

So that no one misunderstand - as it appears is the case - my intent was merely to explain the Mogen David. As far as the mosque is concerned, I HIGHLY disapprove of its being built at that location.
Rabbi Benjamin Blech

(8)
TMay,
October 10, 2010 6:41 PM

Still no.

I still do not want the mosque there. Do you know that, as I have been told, in India there are 300 law cases involving disputes over holy places because a Muslim ruler built a mosque everywhere there was a Hindu shrine?
Let them put their mosque out of ear shot of Ground Zero since the muezzin calls 6 times a day.

(7)
Babs Brouwer,
October 10, 2010 6:10 PM

A Small but wonderful sign of believe

Because i was in Israel a year ago, it means much to me here in South Africa!

(6)
anon,
October 10, 2010 6:08 PM

The person behind the mosque is an Islamic extremist, as can be seen by visiting jihadwatch.com

(5)
Esty,
October 10, 2010 5:41 PM

very intersting

Thank you for this article. I've always wondered about the origins of the Magen David it's great to now have information about it!

(4)
tobywil,
October 10, 2010 5:38 PM

are you saying that you approve of the design, it's the location thats the problem

Aish opinion about mosque, huh???? does this mean that Rabbi Blech is for it?It may be a beautiful design, but who're the Muslims think they're foolin? Let them build somewhere else, no problem

(3)
Mark Goldberg,
October 10, 2010 4:44 PM

distortion

The use of the stars of david and the pentagons, within the design show them falling..... look at the whole picture. And the dissimulation of that triumphalist mosque is just that. It is a lie. It is the history, and theology of Islam to build it's 'mosques' as a 'Waqf' which technically can never be taken down as it's permanently muslim property. Hence the acronym of the cordoba mosque, now changed, to hide it's nature. In Germany, the mosque of the 9/11 bombers attracks all manner of muslims to pray for their jihad there. That the GZ mosque is not at all a testament to David but a deliberate design to destroy judaism, the torah, jews, and america is the actual meaning of the design and the theolgoy is amply demonstrative of this. Oh, and 9/11 was the date of the defeat of the muslim armies in Vienna Austria in 1683.... and the muslims didn't forget.... we did. And now we're deliblerately forgetting once again, in a fierce denial of all the dead ancestors of ours and all 'others' all other infidels, to which this mosque is dedicated to submitting. And Rabbi Blech, you should be aware of all that.

(2)
Ranita,
October 10, 2010 4:38 PM

Jewish symbol and mosque

I think that it only will result in strengthening anti – Semitism. Personally I disbelieve that the creators of this design were managed by wonderful motives and feelings, I perceive it as a travesty of Jews and Christians as well as choice of this place for building of this Muslims center. Fascist in Concentration Camps made Jews sing Jewish songs. Why do you think they did it? Do not say that it is not a proper comparison. Maybe not all of Muslims are terrorist but all terrorists are Muslims. I would be only happy if appeared that I am wrong, but I do not think that it will happen

(1)
Ann Covington,
October 10, 2010 4:35 PM

The Star of David and the NYC mosque

Purposely lacking all "political correctness," I ask how dare they!!
By naming this the Cordoba Project--now called something else "51," they are telling us they have won against the U.S. That is evil enough, but THAT design is a DESECRATION of a most treasured symbol of Jewish faith. It also is a treasured symbol to many of us Christians because it reminds us that we are spiritually brothers and sisters to the Jews.
We all must pray against this ghastly evil being perpetrated in NYC and that the blinded U.S. politicians will have the scales removed from their eyes to stop this construction. This edifice has NOTHING to do with "freedom of religion," and the politicians cannot possibly be so ignorant as to think otherwise. The desecration of the Star of David should be the proverbial "last straw" to go against this construction.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...